Forgotten Footballer – Pierluigi Casiraghi

Casiraghi started his career in 1986 at hometown club Monza, where he suffered relegation and a subsequent promotion in his first two seasons. He hit the back of the net 28 times in 94 appearances.

In 1989 he moved to Juventus, where his goalscoring did not set the world alight, despite winning 2 Uefa Cups and an Italian Cup. He also earned his first cap during his time in Turin.

He then moved on to Lazio in 1993. Pierluigi enjoyed his best spell here, where he struck 44 goals over five seasons. He also won another Italian Cup here.

Frustrated at a lack of first team action, the Italian headed to the Premier League, where Chelsea offered him a fresh start.Ã‚Â Unfortunately he only managed one goal in West London at his final club as his career came to a premature end.

The reason Casiraghi is most remembered in England is not for his abilities, but for his horrific injury that ended his playing involvement in football. He suffered from a serious cruciate injury following a collision with Shaka Hislop, and despite several attempts, never played again.

Where is he now?
Casiraghi is currently coach of the Italian U21 side, and led them to the 2009 European Championships in Sweden. They lost out to Germany by a goal at the semi-final stage.